Conor Gallagher has impressed on loan for Crystal Palace from Chelsea, who have been plagued by midfield injuries this season; N’Golo Kante will return to the bench against Everton, but Mateo Kovacic is still out, and Tuchel addresses his out-of-contract defense five.
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel answered questions regarding Conor Gallagher and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during a press conference on Wednesday.
Despite Chelsea’s midfield injury problems, Thomas Tuchel believes the club will not be sorry for allowing Conor Gallagher to join Crystal Palace on loan.
Gallagher has been a standout for Palace this season, scoring twice in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Everton to become the club’s leading goalscorer with six in the Premier League.
Tuchel will not comment on the details of Gallagher’s loan, but a January recall is highly unlikely given the two clubs’ agreement on his game-time, which Palace is respecting.
Gallagher’s return to Chelsea is unconcerned for the Eagles.
Chelsea’s midfield has been depleted at times this season due to injuries to both N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, but Tuchel believes this will not make them regret their decision to let Gallagher leave in the summer.
“I’ve already expressed how much we admire Conor and how well he’s doing. Nothing has changed; we are still seeing his goals and performances” Tuchel said.
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has lauded Conor Gallagher’s performance “There are no regrets because it appears to be the ideal position for him, and we discussed what the best summer option was primarily for him,” he said after scoring six goals in 15 Premier League appearances on loan from Chelsea this season.
“It is simply not possible to look at the existing situation and throw doubt on a July decision. We did our part, and we’re delighted everything worked out for Conor.”
“We must work out our differences. We’ve had a string of misfortunes in the center, and we’re suffering as a result, but it has nothing to do with Conor.”
Tuchel stated that Kante will start against Everton on Thursday and that Kovacic will rejoin training on Friday, despite a positive Covid case delaying his recovery from injury.
Tuchel was also questioned about Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was stripped of his leadership on Tuesday.
He said, “I’ll [talk to him] later since I don’t want to trouble him. We had a great relationship, and he was a crucial component for me. When we meet today, it’s still fantastic; I can’t say enough positive things about Auba as a player and a person.”
“I’m sad for his issues, because it’s not where he should be with his qualities, and it’s not the character that he possesses – I still trust in him.”
“But I’m uninterested in what’s going on at his club. I want to express my appreciation without passing judgment on what is right or wrong.”‘
The out-of-contract quintet understands how much we appreciate them. Tuchel noted that his defense five, all of whom are out of contract next summer, are aware that the club appreciates them.
The contracts of Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, and Cesar Azpilicueta all expire at the end of the season, and they will be free to pursue summer deals with overseas teams beginning in January.
When asked if he was concerned that these players will soon talk to other teams, Tuchel responded: “No way, no how. I was scared when you informed me, but that feeling would pass quickly.”
These men are well aware of how much we appreciate them and the critical role they play in our goals and the presence of this team. Antonio Rudiger shined in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Zenit St. Petersburg.
“They are well aware of what is going on. Of course, they have the right to do so, but they also have the right to stay with us and help define the future – to be a part of the future of Chelsea Football Club.
Patience, confidence, and faith in the relationship between players and staff, as well as between players and the club, respect us, and this is how it should be.”
Tuchel also claimed that while assessing potential January deals, he will not consider vaccination status, though he did not exclude out additions.
He went on to say: “No, I don’t think so, because where would this take us? Vaccination is still a deliberate choice; we are still free, mature individuals. Everyone has to make a choice.”
